The Super Eagles Book Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen helped Nigeria build a 3-0 lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a narrow win.
Nigeria survived a stunning late rally from Tunisia to progress to the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in Fes, holding a three-goal lead with only a quarter of an hour remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama intensified when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by the Nigerian defender. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to create a frantic finale.
The Carthage Eagles came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute sent a half-volley wide of the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result means that the Super Eagles, winners of the competition on three past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in Group C with a match left to be contested.
In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from one of the other preliminary groups.
Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The concluding group matches will see Nigeria stay in the city to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while Tunisia travel back to Rabat to face Tanzania.
A Nervy Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to give his team a glimmer of hope of earning a draw.
The Super Eagles, finalists in the previous tournament, are the second team after the Pharaohs to qualify for the next phase, but coach Eric Chelle and fans will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a Lookman kick.
The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, only for the defender to direct a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to begin the comeback.
The pivotal incident came when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be sufficient to see them through, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.
